Good afternoon, Kitchissippi.
There's not a lot new to report this week. We're definitely in the dog days of summer. I hope you're enjoying the weather! We've had a lot of nearly perfect weather, but some hot days as well. On extremely hot days, you can get some respite from the heat if you need it by visiting any city facility that's open. That includes libraries and the Plant Bath in close proximity to us, all with wifi, washrooms and water. If you or someone you know needs transportation to get out of the heat, give 3-1-1 a call. On hot weather days there are also proactive outreach efforts to the un- and under-housed. If you think someone may need help, you can call 3-1-1 to ensure they're reaching every individual who needs it.
Pop-up office hours
On Thursday August 18 I'll be at Donna's Express restaurant (322 Churchill Avenue North) from 9-11 and available to chat. Pop-up office hours are an opportunity to drop in without an appointment and chat about whatever's on your mind.
Champlain Bridge lane closures
The NCC has announced that work is set to commence next week on the Champlain Bridge to do a significant renovation. You can read the full details here. There will be a full closure of the bridge overnight on August 16, 17 and 18 (during which the sidewalk will remain open for pedestrians).
This is a very significant project to occur over three construction seasons including with lane restrictions that I have to imagine will have impacts on traffic in our ward. The final product will include proper segregated cycling infrastructure, which is obviously a very big win for the community. A dedicated multi-use path will be available for pedestrians and cyclists during construction. But, during construction months just one lane will be available in each direction. I have requested to meet with the City to understand what impacts they expect from the lane reductions and how this project will affect the bus detour and traffic on Scott Street, and what, if any, mitigations are possible. I will have more insight in the coming days. The timing is obviously not optimal and this was not a lot of head's up.
Committee of Adjustment
On August 17, the Committee will consider an application for variances at 427 Mansfield where the owners are seeking permission for a reduced front yard setback for an enclosed porch. Find the details of that here.
Westboro Beach construction
Many have been asking about the lack of progress at the Westboro Beach site where the NCC is re-developing the venue with new facilities. My staff have inquired with the NCC and what we've been told is that contractor availability and supply issues have delayed work. They expect to get underway "shortly". While this isn't the only project to get caught in widespread construction issues, I share residents' disappointment that a much-needed beach facility has been out of commission all summer. I don't know whether the project will be completed next year - we have not been told it won't.
1186 Wellington at committee
In a previous newsletter, I noted that after Planning Committee deferred consideration of the Parkdale/Wellington application (at the Rexall), Minto moved that to the Ontario Land Tribunal for a decision. Because Council has neither rejected nor approved the development, the City's legal team does not have direction for how to proceed in the hearing that will eventually arise. To get that direction, Committee will vote on September 8 on whether to accept the Planning Department's original recommendation to approve the re-zoning and Official Plan Amendment. I have told Minto and the department that I will continue to urge Committee and Council to reject it.
Ottawa West Community Support Grand Parade
The folks at Ottawa West Community Support have passed on some details about The Grand Parade fundraising event to happen on September 17. Learn more, donate or form a team here!
To help celebrate our 45th anniversary, OWCS has joined forces with the Grand Parade, a family-friendly fundraiser walk that helps support local charities who provide essential care and service for aging Canadians. OWCS has set a fundraising goal of $21,000, which will be used to provide small care packages to isolated seniors in our service area. Throughout COVID, we were able to provide these packages at key times of the year – Mother’s/Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. These provided a welcome visit for seniors who often had no one visiting for weeks on end and they provided us, as a support agency, with the opportunity to check-in and make sure the seniors remained healthy and safe at home. As we come out of the pandemic restrictions, the funding we had for these care packages has ended. We would love to be able to continue the program.
Psychic Saturday at the Carleton!
The Carleton Tavern (223 Armstrong) will host Psychic Saturday with multiple psychics, mediums, palm and tarot readers and more tomorrow (August 13) from 11 am - 4 pm. The event is held upstairs in the private hall, but you knew that...
|
